Sitting pretty in the beautiful Yunnan province of China, Dali has the perfect feng shui, with mountains to the west, and a lake to the east. Everything about the ancient city has a lilting beauty to it, even the singsong manner the locals pronounce its name. No wonder it is a place of escape for many locals, backpackers or Westerners living and working in Southern China, craving a time away of peace and contemplation.
With that intent, spend a day at the scenic Cangshen Mountains, also a nature reserve. While a chairlift makes the journey up and down convenient, beware of a demanding 3-5 hour trek between stations. Hiking enthusiasts can take the Cloud Travellers path for those hoping to have their head in the clouds, quite literally, or choose from varied paths originating at the Zhonge and Gantong temples. The Old Town’s streets sport western bars, cafes and restaurants galore in addition to local fare and many a souvenir shop. A further testament to the city’s historical significance is the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, 1200-year-old Buddhist structures at the base of the Erhai Lake Village. The Erhai Lake also offers boating, swimming and fishing and a Dali travel guide can arrange a bike or walking tour of the seventeen villages located along the Western shore.